Aus gets new anti-inflammatory Phylomer peptides

05 Feb 2013, BioSpectrum Bureau , BioSpectrum

Singapore: Phylogica entered into an agreement with Bio-Link Australia to commercialize a family of anti-inflammatory Phylomer peptides for pharmaceutical use. Under the terms of the agreement, Bio-Link will work with Phylogica to monetize assets through out-licensing or disposal of the Phylomer peptides to a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company.

The family of anti-inflammatory Phylomer peptides, including lead candidates PYC35, PYC36, PYC38 and PYC98, target the AP-1 pathway, which is a crucial mediator of inflammation in various diseases. The AP-1 pathway plays a critical role in neuronal cell death caused by stroke and traumatic brain injury, and lung inflammation resulting from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and septic shock. The family of Phylomer peptides have demonstrated efficacy in multiple preclinical models for stroke, traumatic brain injury and ARDS.

The commercialization efforts of Phylogica and Bio-Link will be supported by a grant of $20,000 from the Western Australian government under the Innovation Vouchers Program (IVP). The IVP is part of the government's Translating Research Scheme with the objective to translate research into economic, social and environmental outcomes for industry, government and the community of Western Australia.

The major aim of the IVP is to enable small-to-medium enterprises to have access to and establish collaborative relationships with, research providers and specialist commercialization support services.

Dr Paul Watt, Phylogica's chief executive officer, said that, "This non-dilutive grant income from the government has provided us with an opportunity to engage Bio-Link to support ongoing efforts to monetize our portfolio of Phylomer peptides targeting the AP-1 pathway."